$10m facility for onshore food production launched

OPENWAY FOOD CO. has announced the launch of a $10m manufacturing facility in Melbourne. The plant will enable the onshore production of coated Mini Rice Cakes, part of the Table of Plenty product line, following strong growth in product sales.

The plant will create about 40 jobs and deliver economic benefits to local rice and other ingredient producers who will supply the facility. Onshore product manufacturing will also reduce the costs and supply chain challenges associated with importing from Europe, improving the company’s environmental footprint.

Andrew Loader, CEO of OPENWAY, said the opening of the facility will enable the company’s founder partners to scale up their businesses and make their products more accessible to Australians.

“We have some outstanding local innovators and some of the best quality produce on our doorstep, so we need more onshore manufacturing capabilities to fully realise their value and keep the economic benefits within our local economy,” Loader said.

Kate and Tal Weiss, founders of Table of Plenty, said, “It’s fantastic to be able to bring the production of our much-loved rice cakes home to Australia through our investment at OPENWAY FOOD CO. Australians want more wholesome and healthy foods that are produced sustainably and locally. Not only does it improve the carbon footprint of our products, we’re proud to be able to provide great manufacturing jobs and support local farmers.”

The facility is located within OPENWAY’s multipurpose food plant in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and will manufacture the coated mini rice cakes range, supplying to retailers in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.